When Michelle Boggess-Nunley took over Posterity Art & Framing Gallery
in Grosse Pointe two and a half years ago, it was focused more on framing than art. Although the gallery still does beautiful framing, its spotlight on art has expanded greatly.
This July, Posterity is once again hosting a dual exhibition of Will Schippert and Angelo Sherman's works. "They're just so creative and bring totally different visions to the table, so it's so much fun to pair the two together and see what they come up with," says Michelle. "They both have this very warm energy."
She adds, "Angelo was actually the very first artist that I signed up to show in Posterity when I took it over. I see his work growing in momentum. And Will's energy is so uplifting, and he has all this passion for art. It's just incredible."
Opening night is July 18 at 6:00 pm, and Michelle is looking forward to a big crowd. The two artists are always a huge draw.
Being on Main Street Grosse Pointe has also provided her a way to bring art outside of her gallery into its wonderful Downtown. "Art brings culture, it brings vision, it tells a story, and it's the glue of a community," says Michelle. "When you see these vibrant downtowns, you see art and things happening. People are out and about. It really brings life to a community and gets people talking."
One of these unique exhibits is taking place this summer. "It Takes a Village" is an outdoor art exhibition that started last year. "We had 18 local artists doing 15x15 weather-treated panels that we framed and installed by The Village Fountain," she says. "It's all about the artists' interpretations of what a village means to them."
The portrayals can be mixed media, acrylics, or epoxy, and since they're going to be hanging outside, the materials have to hold up to the weather. The goal is to have them hung by mid-August. "We install the artists' work for a year, and it's like a little walkable exhibition," says Michelle. "Each artist receives a stipend of $100 and has their own plaque on their artwork. At the end of the year, we auction off the paintings, and the money goes towards other art projects implemented in The Village."
Another much larger exhibition is the Art Takeover Project, which kicks off on September 4th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm and continues through the end of the month. "Every year, it gets bigger and bigger and bigger," she says. Last year, we had a 40% increase in visitors and artists, so thirty-five local businesses and 84 artists participated. We had 250 art pieces, not including those from 'It Takes a Village,' all around the Downtown district.
The artists work with local business owners to create interactive displays. "It increases sales, and many of these businesses get visitors who have never been inside their shops before," says Michelle. Art connects the community, and it introduces people to some of our amazing local businesses that we have on the Village Strip."
There are two- and three-dimensional art pieces, and because they are open media and have an open theme, artists can really use their imaginations. Tim Burke, a very well-known sculptural artist, created beautiful and festive "crazy cats" that were bright and colorful. Kids loved to walk up and hug them.
In addition to all of the incredible artwork, there will be live music and interesting scavenger hunts. "There's a children's version and an adult version, and participants can compete for prizes like gift cards and merchandise from some of our local businesses, which makes it extra special," she says.
The Art Takeover Project will launch at Posterity Art & Framing Gallery, located at 17005 Kercheval Avenue. There, each visitor will be given an interactive map and be able to see where their favorite artists are located.
"We are so busy in our daily lives with work, kids, and all of our other life obligations that we never just stop and walk Downtown," she says. "This gives people a great reason to have a family day out. It's completely free, and all of the art is commission-free, so whatever sells goes back 100% to the artist. It's our way to give back to them and the community." The art also undergoes a public vote, and the winner gets a solo exhibition at the gallery the following year.
Each piece of art, says Michelle, has its own story and can heal the soul. "Very few things in the world don't have a language, but you can look at a piece of art, interpret it, and understand it, and there are no barriers. It's very subjective."
Main Street Grosse Pointe also recently completed a beautifully painted crosswalk in The Village. "Not only does it provide safety when you're walking at a crosswalk that's painted, but people actually stop and see it's a crosswalk," she says.
These beautification projects and art exhibitions bring people to the area. "They want to be here, they want to shop, they want to see art," says Michelle. "It's a whole experience. We're really trying to bring art to the public, and we're working on getting more murals and sculptures in our Downtown district. We want to bring some of those bigger picture projects to life."
Michelle feels fortunate to be part of the art community. "As an artist myself, I love being around all of this creativity and being able to give these artists a voice," she says.
"Art is my passion, and we have an incredibly talented group of local artists. Bringing the art gallery to The Village and bringing local artists into The Village are really the seeds that I've planted. It's been so much fun watching them grow."
For more information, go to PosterityArtGallery.com/ArtTakeover2025.com.
"Art brings culture, it brings vision, it tells a story, and it's the glue of a community."
"Art connects community, and it introduces people to some of our amazing local businesses that we have on the Village Strip."